You are here

Proof that Man United's youngster can be the new Ronaldo

Manchester United fans have had very little to cheer about this season, but there was a glimpse of a glittering future following the emergence of Adnan Januazj.

The Belgian-born winger made headlines in October when he scored a brace against Sunderland in his first start for the Red Devils, having made his Premier League debut a couple of weeks prior against Crystal Palace.

His wizardry and imagination drew immediate comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, who like Januzaj was 18 years old when he appeared for the first time in a Man United shirt back in 2003.

Ronaldo has since gone one to become a two-time World Player of the Year, boasting a glut of silverware and securing one of the most expensive transfers of all-time to Real Madrid.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Januzaj’s career is very much in its infancy, but the youngster has admitted that he aims to follow the Ronaldo blueprint, as his debut campaign draws to a close.

“I watch Cristiano a lot and try to do the same things that he does,” he said.

“I always look at him and try to do what he is doing and remember what he did at Manchester United.”

While there is plenty of room for improvement and development for Januzaj, it looks as though he is certainly on track to become Man United’s next Ronaldo, with his season statistics bearing an eerie resemblance to the Portuguese ace’s maiden campaign.

Having played almost exactly the same amount of game time, Januzaj matches Ronaldo in terms of goals scored, minutes-per-goal and chances created.

Although statistics only offer part of the picture, it is a hugely promising scenario for the Belgian and for Manchester United fans who would love nothing more than having a Ronaldo-incarnate in their side. Time will tell whether he will become another global superstar, but a season like this has been a decent start.

Man United fans, could Adnan Januzaj become your new Cristiano Ronaldo? Comment below…